Shimoda Toyomatsu

(1887 - October 10, 1972), born in Iwanai District, Hokkaidō, helped to establish what became the Scout Association of Japan. He was Japan's first Chief Scout.

Background His father, , participated in the organization from the Kanezawa han, which developed land to make it suitable for habitation. After graduating from , he worked as an army officer.

Scouting In 1914, during the fall season training of the Army Seventh Division, he was asked by Lieutenant General , to set up a youth organization and in 1916, he founded the .

In 1920, from July 30 to August 7, he participated in the first World Scout Jamboree, held in London. The other participants from Japan were Koshiba Hiroshi and Richard Suzuki. He also met Sir Robert Baden-Powell.

After returning from the jamboree, he established the ("Japan Stalwart Youth Troop") in 1921, and worked as Japan's first Chief Scout, using his own home as the organization's office.

In 1928, while climbing the Niseko mountain range, he discovered a beautiful marsh area. Moved by its beauty, he named it , meaning "a marsh where gods and sennin live."

Legacy In 1964, the Japanese Scout Association awarded him the title of . The Shimoda Toyomatsu Memorial Hall, Kutchan, Abuta District, Hokkaidō is named in his honor.

Related books (Kuniichi Komachi, Kuni Scouting Library)